Deceased Information
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DECEASED
Michael S. Blass
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AGE
80
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DATE OF DEATH
Tuesday, March 22, 2022 (After Sunset)
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DATE OF FUNERAL
Thursday, March 24, 2022
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TIME OF FUNERAL
3:00 PM
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PLACE OF FUNERAL
Graveside
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FUNERAL STREAM
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88908751657?pwd=ZXo0Rk5UdWhTdnlSWTRGUS9hRElWdz09
Meeting ID: 889 0875 1657
Passcode: 084684
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PLACE OF BURIAL
Arlington Memorial Park
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SHIVA INFORMATION
Shiva to follow after the graveside service.
785 Wesley Oak Road Atlanta, GA 30328
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OBITUARY
Michael S. Blass passed away on March 22, 2022, after a brief illness at the age of 80. He was wonderful in every way and he will be greatly missed.
The Blass home—first in Atlanta and later in Waleska—was the center of Michael’s life. He was proud that it was a hangout for his children’s high school classmates, the site of large family Thanksgivings, and host to hundreds of casual cookouts by the pool for close friends, old and new. He liked nothing more than being surrounded by those he loved dearly, and he was blessed to be loved in return by so many. The biggest love, of course, was “My Eleanor,” his childhood sweetheart with whom he enjoyed 53 years of marriage in what was described by a friend as “one of the great love stories in Atlanta.”
An Atlanta native, Michael attended Morningside Elementary, Grady High School, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He graduated from the School of Dentistry at Emory University, where he later served as an associate professor while managing a dental practice with his father, and later with his brother-in-law, for 36 years.
After retiring from dentistry, he pursued his second vocation as a United States Professional Tennis Association-certified coach and enjoyed many years of giving complimentary lessons at BridgeMill Athletic Club in Canton. He also established a foundation to financially support aspiring junior tennis players.
But even tennis did not delight him as much as his children and grandchildren. He loved them unconditionally and bragged on them endlessly—especially if sports were involved. We thank all his friends and family for patiently listening.
Michael was predeceased by his parents Nathan and Shirley Blass and his wife, Eleanor Danneman Blass. He is survived by his children and their families: Jared, Karen, Rowan, and Whitman Blass; Kimberly Blass and Gray, Fisher, and Selia Kelly; and John, Tammi, Griffin, Emma, and John Michael “Jack” Fraser. He also leaves behind his sisters and brothers-in-law Renie and Alan Weinstein and Debbie and Eddie Levin; his sisters-in-law Cheryl Danneman and Suzy Danneman; numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews; his beloved “brother” Joe Becknell; and his dear friend Pearlann Horowitz.
The family wishes to thank Larry Dunbar and all the staff at Daniel Companion for their caregiving these last few weeks. Services will be held on Thursday, March 24, 2022 at 3:00 PM at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs, with Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal of Congregation Ahavath Achim officiating. Shiva to immediately follow at the home of Debbie and Eddie Levin. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ben Massell Dental Clinic or the charity of your choice. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.
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The Dressler Family
May the memories of our loved ones remain for a blessing.
Lynn & Billy Light
Dear Debbie, We are so sorry for the loss of your dear brother. May his memory be for a blessing. Thinking of you and the entire Blass family. Love, Lynn & Billy Light
Jay Levitt
My heartfelt condolences are extended to Michael’s entire Family. He was such an incredible instructor and friend at Emory’s Dental School. I learned so much from him. I’ve enjoyed talking to him over the years. I know that he leaves Wonderful Memories that will be shared by all of us forever. May he Rest In Peace.
Miichael Blass
Our sincerest condolences to Michael's entire family. My fond memories began as a teenager when Michael removed my wisdom teeth and then as our dentist...always with extreme care. His warmth was electric. May his wonderful memories live on. Rita & Michael LeVine
Miichael Blass
Our sincerest condolences to Michael's entire family. My fond memories began as a teenager when Michael removed my wisdom teeth and then as our dentist...always with extreme care. His warmth was electric. May his wonderful memories live on. Rita & Michael LeVine
Larry and Betsy Cohen
Our condolences to the Blass family. My thoughts of Michael go back to childhood on Noble Drive. A little older-always the guy I looked up to and still do. Betsy & I will always remember Michael’s warm sweet smile and thoughtful personality.
The Liggin Family
We are heartbroken to learn of our dear friend Michael's passing. Dr. Blass and Eleanor were such a special part of our lives from the first months that we moved into Bridgemill in 1999. We'll always cherish the times spent on the tennis court together, and terrific conversations spent over meals. We'll miss you friend, but we know that you're happy being reunited with Eleanor again.
Harold & Pat Gelber
Pat and I offer our deepest condolences to Michael’s family and close friends. Michael and I were born on the same day. We have been close friends since I moved across the street from him on Noble Drive, just before beginning 8th grade at Grady High. We roomed together for the two years that he was at the University of North Carolina. I will miss Michael so very, very much.
Andrew Srokowski
Michael was always willing to help me with my tennis game. To me he was Coach. His presence will be sorely missed.
Sandy and Dave Abrans
Our heartfelt condolences and love to the entire family . Michael was an Ace both on and off the court. We are all blessed to have known him.
Pedro and Christina Quiterio
We send our love and condolences to The Blass Family! May Michael’s sweet memories live on and be with you close in your heart. Such a great man who touched so many.
Mike Fritz
Condolences to your family. Michael was a wonderful friend to me in Atlanta, as was Eleanor. He will be missed by a lot of people.
Jill Breen
Wishing all of you my heartfelt condolences. Michael and Eleanor found a special place in my heart when they took me and Adam out for dinner in Chicago in 1997. I remember them dancing at our wedding. I was always thrilled to see Michael when we visited Atlanta. And I know how much Michael's friendship meant to Lester. May your memories bring you comfort.
Maxine Makover
Thinking of all of you today and sending love and peace as you say goodby to your dear, sweet Michael. He was a remarkable man and will be missed.
Michael and Anne Chorches
Sorry for your loss. My his memory be as a blessing. Death leaves us all with an empty feeling which hopefully will be filled by the many compliments and memories from all whom Michael touched in his caring and loving life.
Sloane and Howard Neiman and family
Our deepest sympathy to Michael’s entire family. Sloane, Howard, Miles, and Jordan Neiman
Jerry and Vicky Canter
Sorry for your loss of my old friend Michael. I never heard anyone say a bad word about him. I know those close to him will miss him very much. He was a good guy.
Lynda Rubenstein
So sorry for your loss. May his life be a blessed memory of comfort to all of his loved ones
Gitty Landrum
Wishing you strength and comfort during this difficult time.
Pisciotta Family
The best of the BEST! I loved talking baseball and tennis with you. Thank you for allowing my family to have been part of yours, we are better people for having you in our lives. You Eleanor will always have a special place in our hearts!
Penny Walton
I am so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful and inspiring man he was. He was coach, mentor, and best friend to me. I will miss him so much. What a legacy of love he has left. I have been blessed to have had him as my friend.
Sandra and Kenny Kaufman
Spent fun and exciting times with him throughout Elementary Morningside elementary and Grady high school. He was a great friend throughout and after for many years. My respect for Michael and Eleanor was deep. I was excited for Sandra to meet this wonderful pair, I knew she would love them as I did and indeed she did also. We will never forget Michael, May his soul Rest In Peace.
Jennie And Macy Moret
Dear family of Michael: We will always remember Michael and his father Nathan as wonderful dentists and fine people. Eleanor and he were a beautiful and friendly couple. May the happy memories of the family gatherings with him be helpful to all of you during this difficult time.
Terrell and Carol McElheney
We have the family in our thoughts and prayers. Michael was one of the finest men we've ever known. We will miss him. Love you all.
Jill and Joe Segal
We extend our condolences to the Blass family with Michael's passing. When I think of Michael, I only see his wonderful smiling face and his warm, gentle manner. His life was so full of good deeds and loving family and friends. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved him.
Dawn Milgrom
What a gem of a guy. I’m so lucky to have known him. He leaves behind a great legacy. XO
Sandy and John Hughes
Michael became apart of our lives after moving into Bridgemill about ten years ago. He became our tennis coach but also a friend. He always had a kind word for you and was a great source of knowledge on almost any subject you could think of. He was a very kind man and a loving person. We take comfort in knowing he is once again with his true Love Eleanor. Miss you so much. Sandy and John
Susie and Jerry Warshaw
Michael was always large part of the Blass family. Always there with his most handsome smile! He was truly bigger than life! He will be sorely missed by all of us.
Miriam Strickman Levitas
My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to you on Michael’s passing. Wonderful Memories and Love never die. May Michael’s Beautiful Memory Be For A Blessing.
Miriam Strickman Levitas
My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to you on Michael’s passing. Wonderful Memories and Love never die. May Michael’s Beautiful Memory Be For A Blessing.
Gail and Danny Moret
We are so sad to hear of your loss
Ella and Tracia King
Dr. Blass was a wonderful person and will be dearly missed. We will keep the family in our prayers.
Kent and Carole Sue Tiernan
Michael was the kindest person we ever knew. He cared about everyone and made the world a brighter place. He will be sorely missed.
paul f miklas
Michael Blass and Alan Weinstein were the finest part-time instructors at Emory Dental School in the late 60's. They helped educate many of the Dentists from the Southeast. My condolences to the Blass extended family.He will be missed.
Charlie Smith
He was wonderful and always with a smile on his face. Love and Prayers to Jared Kim and Tammy and your families.
Chandler Bridges (Grady \'59)
God bless you and give you comfort in this time of grief.
The Storino Family
Our prayers and love are with the family. May the memories remain strong and keep them in loving company.
Mike Perry
So sorry to hear of Michael's passing! He meant alot to me and I know many others. RIP Michael, Cheers to our many years of friendship. My condolences to the family!
Mike Rowe
Simply put, He was the best. I loved Dr. Blass like a Dad. I will miss him a lot.
Lloyd Mendelson
Michael and I were raised two doors away from each other on old Noble Drive. My parents were his parents and his mine. He was and will always be my first best friend.
Linda Miller
So sorry for the families loss of a wonderful special man my sympathy to all of you may Michel rest in peace
Jan and Jack Kinsler
We are so very sorry for your loss.
Helen Wise Arnoldi
Debbie and family, my heartfelt sympathy on your tremendous loss. I know what a special person Michael was and he came from amazing parents that left a beautiful legacy. May all your wonderful memories bring you comfort during this difficult time.
ELAINE AND JERRY
Dear Blass family and friends - How fortunate we were all of us to have had Michael in our lives. We will treasure memories and send each of you our condolences. His name is for a blessing. With love and admiration, Elaine and Jerry
Ned Gyllenskog
Michael was the epitome of Georgia Tennis. A true gentleman, a great tennis player, and the most magnanimous teaching coach. He truly enjoyed helping everyone with their tennis problems. His smiling face will certainly be missed around the Bridgemill tennis courts. I joined Bridgemill in 2010 and Michael walked up to me and introduced himself and said "I just wanted to shake the hand of the only other tennis player here that is as old as I am" at that time we were 69 and it has been 12 wonderful years knowing Michael and I will really miss him.
DANNY PEREIRA
So sad to heard of the passing of this Wonderful man . He was always around the courts watching the game that he Loved so much . My Dad will be saddened when I tell him . Michael and Eleanor will finally be back together .. He will truly be missed .. God Speed my dear friend .
Beth Wender Braun
Dear Renie,Debbie,Jared,Kim and Tammi, So very,very sorry for your loss, Happy that Michael’s suffering is over and that he can be reunited with his precious Eleanor. We will miss them both. May your memories keep them alive in your hearts forever! Love, Beth and Jeff
Al Lopez
Coach, AlNadal here! Yes coach, I will only serve lefty…and will take care of “hot wheels” for U. We will play again!
Cecile Waronker
Alan and Renie Weinstein Please accept my deepest sympathy on your loss.
Al Evans
Michael was interesting and interested. He was generous with his time and thoughts. We shared many stories about growing up in the Atlanta of the 1950's and 60's. He was the type of person who inspires faith in the goodness of humanity.
Ramon and Jody Franco
Having known Michael since childhood I can say that it has truly been an honor to have been in the presence of such a princely guy. He was truly the unattainable role model. He was an outstanding student, athlete, generous and genuine friend, and the most modest of "cowboy" gentlemen. I think we all wanted to be Michael Blass. He was my big brother in fraternity and he protected me like he did all who needed him. We feel the family's pain and hope you find peace and comfort in knowing the wonderful legacy that he and Eleanor leave behind. May his name be a blessing. Much love, Ramon and Jody
Karen and Andy Edlin
So sorry to hear this news. Thinking about the entire family during this most difficult time. May the memories be for a blessing.
Sylvia Friedman
Dear Blass family, there are no words to express my deep sadness on the loss of Michael. He was always sweet and kind whenever I saw him. My deepest sympathy to you all.
Charles Sheron
I cannot imagine this world without Michael. He touched so many lives. Sending my love to all the family.
Debi Fife
Michael always brought a smile to my face! He loved every second while on the courts and I appreciated all his input and tips for my game. What I loved the most about him was his amazing love for his sweet wife, Eleanor! ?
Jim and Linda Emore
It is with a heavy heart that we send our condolences. We’ve known Michael since 2013. He was my tennis instructor and beloved friend. We stayed in contact even following the time that he quit teaching tennis. We loved Michael and Eleanor from the bottom of our hearts. They were two very special people. We send love and condolences. Thinking about Michael will always make us smile. He was a great man. Thanks for sharing both Michael and Eleanor with us. Our lives were enriched as a result of knowing both of them. God bless all of you.
Larry S. Buhrman, DDS
Michael was my mentor and friend when I was a student at Emory Dental School. He was indeed wonderful in every way. We continued to be good friends in our later years as we both loved playing and teaching tennis. Michael was one of the most influential people in my life. Like everyone else, my wife Melanie and I loved him and Eleanor. He often praised his children and grandchildren to me and Joe Becknell was his great buddy in tennis. God bless Michael and Eleanor.
Linda and Abram Estroff
Dearest Blass Family, we are so very sorry to hear of your beloved brother, Michael's passing. He was such a special person and will be missed by all. We know his Eleanor is waiting for him with open arms. What an extra ordinary pair they were. Our world will never quite be the same without the two of them. Pleases know our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. With Much Love, Linda and Abram Estroff
Darryl Cohen
So very missed
michael smith
loved him like a brother and always will have memories of our times together see you on court 4 michael
Robyn Greenberg Zimmerman
One of my favorites! Your dad always had a smile on his face ! Fond memories of him even though he was my dentist:) he loved my mom. Sending hugs to you Jarod and your family at this time. You were lucky to have such an extraordinary father??? He will be missed!
Randy Schiff
Many warm memories of Michael's joie de vivre, his love for his family (and sports), ever-present smile, and the wonderful Thanksgivings we shared in Waleska. Our love and condolences to the family.
Bernard Makover
Michael always represented the best of us. To all who knew him he was an inspiration. The sadness felt by his loss can only be overcome with the memories of the happiness he brought to all who knew him. While all may miss him, he truly must be in a well deserved better place.
Candy Haskins
A real mensch. Leaving a legacy of love through his family.
Candy Haskins
A real mensch. Leaving a legacy of love through his family.
Carla and Arthur Silver
Dear Blass Family, We are heartbroken over Michael’s death. We cherish the day we spent with him in Waleski and touring his beautiful home and grounds. He was so proud showing us his Major Handiwork- and we were quite impressed. He was a Jewel and will be greatly missed. Lots of Love, Carla and Arthur.
Jay & Jill Schlosser
I have known Michael for well over 50 years. Just an overall great guy! You always felt better after meeting Michael. A fabulously Dentist, a hell of a tennis player and teacher, a great friend. He’s with the love of his life Eleanor on her birthday. What a beautiful ending
OSCAR & KAREN GRABLOWSKY
CONDOLENCES TO RENI & ALAN & THE ENTIRE BLASS FAMILY
Marion Blackman Spence
My heart is saddened over the death of Classmate and friend Michael. He was a person of honor in every way. He and I were classmates all through Henry Grady High School. One of my daughters Hope and Michael and Eleanor’s daughter, Kim became great friends at Riverwood High School. May the Blass family be comforted by God’s love and peace at such a time as this. Marion Blackman Spence
Penson Kaminsky
So sorry to hear of Michael's passing. It have the most pleasant memories of the Blue Star summers.
David Scott
I’m so sorry for the loss of Mr. Blass. I only know him through his daughter but that is enough to know that he blessed our community. Praying for the entire family
The Poirier Family
We are heartbroken about Michael’s passing. He meant a lot to our family as a friend and tennis coach. We enjoyed dinners out together and all of Michael’s stories about his incredible life. He and Eleanor were the sweetest couple and their story was even sweeter. We will miss him in our lives but are so glad Michael and Eleanor are reunited. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Rome Michael and Julie
We are so very sorry for your loss. Your family is in our hearts ?
The Fevola Family
So sorry to hear of Michael’s passing. To our family, he was Michael, Coach, and “Pop Pop”. We loved he and Eleanor so much. Whether it was tennis, fishing, or just cooking out at the waleska home, it was always a loving, fun time. He is celebrating “his Eleanor’s” birthday in her arms today. What they shared is so special and remarkable. Thoughts of comfort to all the family. Love Carol, Dave, Johnny, and DJ
Sandra & Stephen Rich
We remember the carefree happy days of growing up together in a much smaller Atlanta. May all the warm memories help the family in this time of grief. Love to all.
Marcia Baumrind
Dear Debbie and the entire Blass/danneman families. I cannot begin to tell you how shocked I am to learn this. Michael was my dentist after his Dad retired and I adored him. Always so handsome and kind to me. He was a truly special person. My sincerest condolences. The community has lost a prince of a guy. Marcia
Frances Stein
So very sorry to hear of Michael’s passing. Love and prayers to the entire family.
Bette and Troy Selfridge
We could not be more unhappy! Michael was a fabulous guy at every age and stage! So sorry Jared, Kim and Tammy and Renie and Debbie. We loved your Dad AND Mom. our deepest condolences, Bette (Rosenbloum) and Troy Selfridge
Bette and Troy Selfridge
We could not be more unhappy! Michael was a fabulous guy at every age and stage! So sorry Jared, Kim and Tammy and Renie and Debbie. We loved your Dad AND Mom. our deepest condolences, Bette (Rosenbloum) and Troy Selfridge
Peggy Perling
So sorry to hear of your loss. Michael was loved and and admired by all who knew him. My sincere condolences
Phillip and Rosalind Haber
He followed his family as a roll mode.We grieve with you
Lane and Rona Wolbe
Michael’s loss will be felt by us all for years to come and our hearts go out to you in your time of grief. One of the most precious things Michael leaves behind is the memories we all have of being with him. Michael made friends for life and knowing him and Eleanor brings a smile to our faces and joy to our hearts. Lane and Rona
Barbara Levitas
Michael was one of the kindest people I knew. Even as a child he cared about others and made an effort to help those who needed his quiet aid. Every time we met I was reminded that he was a special person. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Cary and Sherry King
We could have never imagined that a world without Michael and Eleanor, two of the best and classiest people we have ever had the honor of knowing, could actually exist. Adding to the loss of Sam Mislow and Lester Breen, we are forever devastated. We love you Michael and know that at least while you are lost to us, that you and Eleanor are reunited. Our deepest sympathies to the whole family on your gigantic loss of a one of a kind man. Love, Sherry and Cary King
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